The Financial Times has named M&I Materials technical Director, Dr Amanda Quadling, as one of the UK’s top 10 ‘Most Influential Women in Engineering’ for 2019 in its final list of 100 candidates.
The winners were announced after a thorough assessment process, conducted over a number of months after which the final ‘Top 10’ were selected by a judging panel. Criteria for inclusion and the ranking of the top 10 included influence within an organisation or team, respect within the field and leadership.
Reacting to the news, Amanda commented: “I’m absolutely delighted, honoured and I must say happily surprised to have been included among such accomplished and talented individuals. Also, as a mother of three girls, this is particularly special for me. I’ve always tried to help my daughters understand the importance of hard work, and that there are highs and lows in your career, so to be able to show them recognition like this is so positive.”
Amanda joined M&I Materials as Technical Director in 2018, having worked in senior technical and scientific positions with De Beers, BHP Billiton and Morgan Advanced Materials. Her past work includes notable projects, such as developing optimised solutions for low bio-persistent fibres for heat insulation and establishing Africa’s first Diamond Provenance laboratory.
With degrees in geochemistry and ethics from universities in South Africa and a Masters Degree from London School of Economics, Amanda earned her late career PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Imperial College London in 2014. Earlier this year, Amanda was also welcomed onto the board of the British Ceramic Confederation.
Reflecting on her inclusion in the Financial Times list, Amanda added: “If you were to look at my CV you’d probably see a “strange” potted history, but there is a common thread in the form of “ethical materials; from work to prevent conflict diamonds, through the development of safe ceramic fibres to supporting biodegradable transformer fluids. I have always felt strongly in that good materials science enables innovative engineering. That is why I’m at M&I Materials and this recognition is very humbling.”
M&I Materials CEO, Giles Salt, commented: “This is such a fantastic achievement for which Amanda and her family should and no doubt will be, extremely proud. Everybody at M&I Materials is delighted for Amanda being recognised in this way, particularly among such esteemed company. Throughout her career to-date, and through her ongoing work with her team, Amanda has built a sound reputation for contributing to the scientific community. Her recognition is thoroughly deserved.”